Mrs. Jewel (Judy) Panther, 96, of Laurel Mississippi by way of Belwood, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Comfort Care Nursing Center Laurel Mississippi.

Born Jewell (Judy) Hartman in Lawndale, Cleveland County, North Carolina on April 8, 1928, she was the oldest of three daughters to the late TC and Ruby Hartman. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her Husband of 66 years, Horace Panther; and by sister Arline Hicks. Judy is survived by; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Jane and Danny Bush of Laurel, Mississippi, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Michele Panther of Millry, Alabama; sister Joyce Lutz of Belwood; grandchildren; Adam Bush and wife Sandy of Mckinney, Texas, Amanda Warnock and husband Trey of Portland, Texas, Ashley Wroth and husband Andrew of Fairfield, Texas, Andrew Bush of Laurel, Mississippi, and Abby Panther of Millry, Alabama; great grandchildren; Caroline, Paul and Daniel Warnock, Elijah Bush, Violet and Parker Wroth; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Judy was married to Horace Panther on June 5th, 1948. The two moved to California where Horace trained in metallurgy, while Judy worked as a telephone operator. The Panthers moved back to North Carolina, where her two children were born. In 1969, they moved to Pascagoula, MS, and later to Laurel MS. While settled in Laurel, Judy worked in the Kindergarten of the First Baptist Church, was employed at Fay's Hallmark, and the Baptist Bible and Book House. After retirement, they moved back to their beautiful North Carolina mountains to help take care of her parents and to be close to her sisters.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm Friday, February 7th, 2025, at Norman's Grove Baptist Church in Belwood. Funeral will be at 2:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Keith Huss, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

The family wishes to thank all the many people who have visited and sent cards and letters during her declining health. These words sum up her life: faithful, hardworking, consistent, calm, wife, mother, friend.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.